Thursday, December 19, 2013

THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE

INTRODUCTION

The Battle of the Bulge was the last major German offensive of World War II. It began on 16 December 1944, when German forces broke through Allied defenses in the Ardennes. The German drive was intended to seize Antwerp, split Allied forces in the west, and bring about the surrender of one or more Allied armies. Bad weather (bitter cold and heavy snow) hampered Allied air and supply operations, although it also hindered German movements. Improved weather conditions allowed Allied forces to reinforce weak points in their lines, and to resume air operations against German offensive positions and supply lines.

American forces suffered nearly 90,000 casualties during this German offensive, including 19,000 soldiers killed in action.

Ambrose, Stephen E. Citizen Soldiers: The U.S. Army from the Normandy Beaches to the Bulge to the Surrender of Germany, June 7, 1944--May 7, 1945. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, 1997. ST,BU,CP, SC—940.5421

Astor, Gerald. A Blood-Dimmed Tide: The Battle of the Bulge by the Men Who Fought It. New York: Donald I. Fine, 1992. HG—940.5421431